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Red Sox Acquire Closer Andrew Bailey From Athletics

The Boston Red Sox have acquired Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey, according to a tweet from Buster Olney of ESPN.com. The club also acquired outfielder Ryan Sweeney from Oakland in the deal.

According to Olney, the Red Sox will send Josh Reddick to Oakland as part of the deal. The 24-year-old outfielder hit .280/.327/.457 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 87 games for Boston last year. Other pieces include 20-year-old infielder Miles Head, and 19-year-old pitcher Raul Alcantera.

Bailey, 27, has served as the Athletics closer over the past three seasons. In 2011 he posted a 3.24 ERA with 24 saves in 42 appearances. He boasts a career ERA of 2.07.

The Red Sox have been looking to fill a gap in their bullpen after losing longtime closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Philadelphia Phillies in free agency this winter. Earlier this offseason they also acquired Houston Astros closer Mark Melancon for infielder Jed Lowrie. Melancon recorded 20 saves in 2011 while posting a 2.78 ERA.

Last week the Athletics also traded their top starting pitcher, Gio Gonzalez, to the Washington Nationals.